“The Steelcase Dragon Run” in 2012 will take place in Hong Kong on Saturday November 10.

This year we will be running 2 races – the “normal” long course race and an out- and- back short course race.

Long Course: As in previous years, the long course race will start in Clearwater Bay, and will then proceed SE to the beautiful and rugged Ninepins Islands, then SW past the spectacular Cape D’Aguilar (home of the Hong Kong Marine Reserve) and then to the finish line at the world-renowned tourist destination of Stanley, the home of the famous Stanley Market. The course will cover approximately 24km and, with the seasonal NE monsoon winds blowing, should see 10-20 knot winds and great downwind but very technical conditions for the majority of the race. A race map is attached.

As the race organizers want to maximize downwind racing conditions, the course may be altered to best take advantage of the forecast wind direction on race day.

Short Course: The short course race will be open to single and double surf skis, OC1s and OC2s and SUPs. The course will be approximately 9km for skis and OCs and 5km for SUPs, and will start and finish at the Sea School. A short course race map is attached.

Given that Hong Kong has a tropical climate, water temperatures at that time of year will be around 23 degrees Celsius, with air-temperature between 18 and 27 degrees. However, despite being in the tropics, because we sit on the bottom of the huge land mass that is China, cold snaps are possible so come prepared!

The prize money purse will again be US$20,000. The prize money break down will be as follows:

* To qualify for prize money, the 2nd-10th place finishers need to finish within 10% of the winner’s time

Women (Single) – Overall**
1st – 2,000
2nd – 1,000
3rd – 500

** To qualify for prize money, the 1st – 3rd place finishers need to finish within 25% of the men’s winning time

1st OC1 Men – US$500

1st OC1 Women – US$500***

***To qualify for the prize money, the 1st OC1 Woman finisher needs to finish within 25% of the 1st OC1 Men’s winning time

One of our sponsors, Hong Kong Paddler (Dealer: Think Kayaks and Fenn Kayaks) will also be offering a US$500 “hot spot” prize for the first paddler to reach the turning point at the Ninepin Islands.

There will be a limited number of Epic, Fenn and Think Kayaks surf skis available for rent. If you are interested in participating in the race and need to hire a surf ski please drop an e-mail to roughwaterhongkong@gmail.com (for Epic hire) or sales@hongkongpaddler.com (for a Fenn or Think Kayaks hire).

The race entry fee for the Steelcase Dragon Run long course race will be HK$750 (just under US$100). The race entry fee for the Steelcase Dragon Run short course race will be HK$500.00 (approximately US$65.00). These entry fees also cover the cost of the race registration function and post race party where food and beverages will be provided.

To assist with race planning, it would be appreciated if those intending to participate in the Steelcase Dragon Run 2012 drop an e-mail to either Andy Orr (aorr@imgworld.com) or Lara Wozniak (lara.wozniak@financeasia.com) by September 30th 2012.

The use of life jackets/PFDs and leg leashes will be compulsory.

A race registration function will take place at the Sea School in Stanley (same venue as last year) at 7pm on Friday November 9th and all participants must attend.

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS YEAR THERE WILL BE NO ACCOMMODATION AVAILABLE AT THE SEA SCHOOL.